Due to population growth, rapid urbanization and changing dietary habits competition for water among various sectors (domestic, industrial, agriculture, ecological etc.) is leading to increased number of conflicts. Agriculture sector accounts for use of more than 70% water on a global scale. It is always a challenge to grow more food with less water. In order to increase water use efficiencies and water productivity across various stakeholders, especially in agriculture sector, adoption of newer and latest technologies and techniques will play and key and significant role. However, lack of capacity is constraining the sustainable development of irrigated agriculture and many countries are facing a shortage of qualified technical persons in Agricultural Water Management (AWM). So, it is necessary to provide thrust towards capacity development of professionals, particularly young professionals so as to assure high utilization standards of water (and other) resources. Keeping in view the above, ICID has initiated a number of new initiatives and programs to support capacity development of professionals in AWM sector. ICID also  provides a unique platform for the exchange of knowledge and information related to agricultural water management.

Technical Support Programme

In order to provide technical support and guidance to the National Committees, ICID in its 68th International Executive Council (IEC) meeting held in October 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico, approved a comprehensive Technical Support Programme (TSP) to be implemented by the Technical Support Unit (TSU) (http://www.icid.org/tsu.html). The objective of the programme is to “Undertake capacity development activities in the field of Agricultural Water Management (AWM) in support of rural development” with abroad scope of work and outputs/deliverables for TSP.

• To support the member countries in:
  • general assessment of gaps in AWM capacities within the countries and suggest possible solutions;
  • developing feasibility reports for small and medium irrigation, drainage and flood management proposals;
  • assessment of training needs; and
  • undertaking capacity development programme
• To coordinate and execute capacity development programs of ICID under the overall guidance of WG-CDTE and administrative directions of the Core group; and
• To develop a knowledge base of AWM with the help of ICID working groups, partner institutions and member countries. 

TSP is being implemented through a distributed network of short and long term expert volunteers from NCs as well as professionals/experts from partner institutions A ‘Core Group’ headed by the President, ICID and Chair PCTA, PCSO, AFRWG, ASRWG, WG-CDTE as Members and Secretary General, ICID as Convener finalize and prioritize the work programme of TSU; review and monitor progress of activities related to TSU; take administrative and financial decisions regarding the engagement of volunteers and other experts; and support mobilization of resources. For smooth functioning of TSU, a ‘Capacity Development Fund’ has been established and the Korean National Committee of ICID (KCID) has donated an initial amount of US$ 5,000 towards this fund. The 69th IEC meeting held at Saskatoon, Canada, requested NCs to contribute towards the Fund created for undertaking activities under TSP.